Monday, May 29, 2017

Head Games

Training tricks is a great way to provide mental exercise and enrichment for our dogs. In the rainy spring season, it can be hard to get outside as much as we (and our dogs) would like, so doing short training sessions on a new trick can be an outlet for some of your dog’s excess energy. But maybe you’ve already hit the classics – shake, roll over, speak – and need something new to work your dog’s brain.

Capturing different head movements can be the source of several new tricks. For your dog, turning his head left or right, moving it up or down or lowering it to the floor can all be put on different cues. It’s also an interesting challenge for you as the trainer. If you want to improve your timing of marking your dog (Yes! Good dog! Click!), watching for the initial tiny movements of your dog’s head can help. And of course, improving your timing and observation skills will help with any other training you’re doing with your dog - plus you can get some adorable tricks on cue to impress your friends! Check out Australian Shepherd Payton and Husky Mix Finley working on some head tricks!

If you would be interested in a class to learn to train some of these fun skills, let us know! We'd love to set something up to offer some fun ideas to help you and your pup have more fun together.